Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and engage with the community.
- Company: Join Ocean Housing, a not-for-profit making a difference in Cornwall.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, health plans, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working outdoors and supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening or grounds maintenance; a passion for learning is key.
The predicted salary is between 27976 - 27976 £ per year.
Join Ocean Housing as a Grounds Maintenance Operative.
Location: Stennack House, St Austell
Hours: 40 per week (Mon-Fri)
Salary: £27,976 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Do you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in keeping spaces looking their best, and want to make a real difference to local communities? We’re looking for a Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our friendly and professional team, helping us maintain safe, attractive and welcoming neighbourhoods for our residents.
About the role:
As a Grounds Maintenance Operative, you’ll deliver high-quality grounds maintenance across our communal estates. From grass cutting and shrub maintenance to planting and site checks, you’ll play a vital role in keeping our outdoor spaces well cared for all year round. You’ll work both independently and as part of a team, engaging positively with residents, estate monitors and colleagues, while always working safely and to a high standard.
Key responsibilities:
- Carry out grass cutting, strimming, weeding and general horticultural works
- Maintain and plant shrubs, trees and bedding displays
- Safely operate and maintain tools, plant and machinery
- Complete routine vehicle, equipment and site safety checks
- Identify and report health & safety hazards or estate issues
- Prepare accurate records, reports and inspections as required
- Provide a friendly, professional service to residents and stakeholders
- Work flexibly across multiple sites, sometimes lone working
What we’re looking for:
You don’t need to meet every single requirement to apply – we’re keen to hear from people who are motivated, reliable and keen to learn.
Essential
- Experience in grounds maintenance or gardening work
- Understanding of health & safety in a working environment
- NVQ Level 1 (or equivalent) and English/Literacy qualification
- Full UK driving licence
- Ability to work outdoors in a physically demanding role year-round
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Pride in delivering work to a high standard
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture or similar
- Experience using machinery (mowers, hedge cutters, brash cutters)
- PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates
- Experience of working in social housing
- Experience of towing trailers containing heavy mechanical equipment
What are our benefits?
We offer a supportive, flexible, and forward-thinking work environment with fantastic benefits:
- 27 days holiday + bank holidays
- Professional membership fees paid
- Company sick pay scheme
- Workplace pension with death in service benefit
- Home office work payment
- Medicash health plan (including dental & optical)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Rewards & recognition programme
- On-site parking
- Employee assistance programme
- Family-friendly policies
Key Dates:
Closing Date: Wednesday 20th of May 2026 at Midnight
Interview Date: Wednesday 27th of May 2026 and Thursday 28th of May 2026 at Stennack House, St Austell
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're committed to supporting communities and want a role full of purpose, we’d love to hear from you. Please be aware - we may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications—so apply soon!
Grounds Maintenance Operative employer: Ocean Housing
Contact Detail:
Ocean Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Ocean Housing. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills can help them achieve their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and not just looking for any job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to grounds maintenance and customer service. Think about specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills and how you’ve tackled challenges. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a hands-on role, showing up in smart-casual attire can make a great first impression. It shows you respect the opportunity and are ready to represent yourself and the company well.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can set you apart from other candidates. It’s a simple way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When writing your application, let us know how much you enjoy working outdoors. Share any experiences you've had in grounds maintenance or gardening that highlight your love for keeping spaces looking their best.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to mention any specific skills or qualifications you have that relate to the role, like operating machinery or understanding health and safety. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team right away!
Be Yourself: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Whether it’s your communication style or your approach to teamwork, let us see what makes you unique.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so make sure to apply through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocean Housing
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of grounds maintenance. Familiarise yourself with common tasks like grass cutting, weeding, and shrub maintenance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Your Passion for the Outdoors
Make sure to express your love for working outdoors and how it aligns with the job. Share any personal experiences or projects you've worked on that demonstrate your commitment to maintaining beautiful spaces. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Safety First!
Since health and safety is a big part of the role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety protocols in grounds maintenance. Mention any relevant qualifications you have, like NVQ Level 1, and be ready to talk about how you ensure a safe working environment.
✨Engage with the Community
Ocean Housing values community engagement, so think about how you can contribute positively to the neighbourhoods you'll be working in. Prepare examples of how you've interacted with residents or stakeholders in previous roles, showcasing your customer service skills.